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3) Define research and its relevance to the aromatherapist 4) Understand and explain the term integral biology
5) Define the terms applicable to essential oils, essences, carrier oils, fixed oils and other media 6) Describe the structure and function of plants in relation to the production of essential and carrier oils
8) Understand and explain how essential oils can become adulterated or degraded during processing and
storage, the ways in which suppliers adulterate oils and the methods used to assess oil quality 9) Explain how to detect the degradation of fixed oils 10) Explain the professional sources of supply of essential oils, carrier oils and other media 11) Define taxonomy, nomenclature and plant families and their relevance to the aromatherapist
Methods of testing quality and chemical constituents of essences, e.g. pH testing, Infrared Spectrophotometry (IR), Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) Rancidity Oxidation Hydrolysis Colour Odour To include: Growers Manufacturers/processors Wholesale suppliers Therapists/practitioners Retail sources To include: Carl Linnaeus Binomial System Environmental factors affecting growth and production of essences Plant family Genus Species Chemotypes Variety Plant families to include: Annonaceae Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Arecaceae Asteraceae (Compositae) Burseraceae Corylaceae Cupressaceae Euphorbiaceae Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Geraniaceae Juglandaceae Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Lauraceae Linaceae Malvaceae (Steruliaceae) Myrtaceae Oleaceae Onagraceae Pedaliaceae Piperaceae Pinaceae Poaceae (Gramineae) Proteaceae Rosaceae Rutaceae Sapotaceae Santalaceae Simmondsiaceae Styracaceae Vitaceae Zingiberaceae To include: The formation of essential oils in plants The outcomes listed should be given for the following 42 essential oils: LAMIACEAE (LABIATAE) Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) Lavender, spike (Lavandula latifolia Medik.) Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea L.) Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Patchouli (Pogestemon cablin Benth.) RUTACEAE Neroli (Citrus aurantium L.) Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium L.) Orange, bitter (Citrus aurantium L.) Orange, sweet (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso.) Lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.) Mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour.) Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi Macfad.) ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITAE) Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita L.) MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives Schauer) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus smithii RT Baker) Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) GERANIACEAE Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens LHer.)
12) Understand and explain the process of biosynthesis 13) Understand and explain: Botanical name (latin) Plant family Country of origin (state where the oil was grown originally) Specific method of extraction The main therapeutic effects Recommended uses Safety precautions, including contraindications and potential toxicology, for essences Correct terms should be used when describing therapeutic effects for the 42 oils listed e.g. Sudorific, Emmenagogue, etc
14) State the Botanical name (latin) Plant family The sources Methods of extraction of the following carrier oils
PIPERACEAE Pepper, black (Piper nigrum L.) APIACEAE (UMBELLIFERAE) Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare. Mill) ROSACEAE Rose damask (Rosa damascena Mill.) Rose cabbage (Rosa x centifolia L.) OLEACEAE Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum L.) ANNONACEAE Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson) SANTALACEAE Sandalwood (Santalum album L. Santalum spicatum (R. Br.) A.DC.) BURSERACEAE Frankincense (Boswellia sacra Flueck.) Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha Engl.) STYRACACEAE Benzoin (Styrax benzoin Dryand.) ZINGIBERACEAE Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.) Vetivert (Vetiveria zizanoides Nash ex Small) PINACEAE Cedarwood, Atlas (Cedrus atlantica Manetti) CUPRESSACEAE Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) To include: ROSACEAE Almond (Prunus communis L.) Apricot kernal (Prunus armeniaca L.) Peach Kernel (Prunus vulgaris Mill.) FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE) Soya (Glycine max Merr.) Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITAE) Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) VITACEAE Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera L.) OLEACEAE Olive (Olea europaea L.) LAURACEAE Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) PEDALIACEAE Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) LINACEAE Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) CORYLACEAE Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) JUGLANDACEAE Walnut (Juglans regia L.) PROTEACEAE Macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia F. Muell.) ARECACEAE Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) ONAGRACEAE Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) Wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare Vill.)
15) Describe the sources of other media and state botanical names and plant families (where applicable) 16) Understand and explain the terms hydrosol/floral water/hydrolat and describe their use in an aromatherapy treatment programme 17) Understand and explain synergy and the way in which the therapeutic effects of essences are strengthened when working together 18) Understand and explain top, middle and base notes and their uses within a blend 19) Understand, explain and demonstrate the safe dosage and blending of essential oils and carrier oils or other media
EUPHORBIACEAE Castor (Ricinus communis L.) SIMMONDSIACEAE (Liquid wax) Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis Schneid.) To include: Creams Lotions Gels Water Air Clays Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii) Sapotaceae Cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao) Malvaceae (Steruliaceae) To include: Definition of the terms Their production as by-products of hydrodistillation Their use within an aromatherapy treatment programme To include: Synergy Adaptogen To include: Definition of terms Their use within a blend To include: Maximum number of essences in one blend should be 3 Dilutions are two drops in 5ml carrier/other media No more than eight drops in one treatment Increase the amount of carrier/other media not essential oil for a larger frame For babies and the elderly one drop of essential oil to 5mls/10mls of carrier/other media For the face one drop of essential oil in 5mls of carrier/other media Blend into plastic measuring cup Current legislative controls and guidelines for the use of essential oils, carriers and other media, blending and labeling of products, and the implications for client safety Possible interactions between essential oils Possible interaction between essential oils and prescribed/self-medicated drugs or other substances State appropriate methods of storage to maintain recommended shelf life of blends, essences, fixed oils and other media To include: Atom Molecule Organic and inorganic compounds To include: Terpenes Isoprenes Monoterpenes Diterpenes Sesquiterpenes Esters Aldehydes Ketones Lactones Alcohols Phenols Oxides Acids Ethers Furanocoumarins To include: Basil (Alcohols) Benzoin (Esters) Bergamot (Esters) Cedarwood atlas (Ketones) Chamomile German (Sesquiterpenes) Chamomile Roman (Esters) Clary sage (Esters) Cypress (Monoterpenes) Eucalyptus citriodora (Aldehydes) Eucalyptus dives (Ketones) Eucalyptus globulus (Oxides) Eucalyptus smithii (Oxides) Fennel (Phenols) Frankincense (Monoterpenes) Geranium (Alcohols) Ginger (Sesquiterpenes) Grapefruit (Monoterpenes) Jasmine (Esters) Juniper (Monoterpenes) Lavandin (Alcohols) Lavender (Esters) Lavender spike (Oxides) Lemon (Monoterpenes) Lemongrass (Aldehydes) Mandarin (Monoterpenes)
20) Understand and explain the following chemical terms: 21) Understand and explain the therapeutic effects of the main chemical compounds found in essential oils
22) Understand and explain the significant chemical constituents for each of the essential oils listed
23) Understand and explain the physiological and psychological effects of aromatherapy on the body systems 24) Understand and explain the effects of stress on the systems of the body and state which oils can help to relieve the symptoms 25) Understand and explain the structure and function of the Olfactory tract and the ways in which essential oils are absorbed in this area, and the disorders affecting the sense of smell 26) Understand explain and demonstrate the aromatherapy massage movements 27) Understand and explain the different skin types and their relevance to the aromatherapy treatment, and describe the way in which essences are absorbed by the skin, including factors impeding or enhancing absorption 28) Understand and explain the therapeutic effects, recommended uses and safety precautions of fixed oils and other media, and the advantages and disadvantages for different skin types (listed previously)
Marjoram (Alcohols) Myrrh (Sesquiterpenes) Neroli (Alcohols) Orange Bitter (Monoterpenes) Orange, Sweet (Monoterpenes) Patchouli (Sesquiterpenes) Pepper, black (Monoterpenes) Peppermint (Alcohols) Petitgrain (Esters) Rose cabbage (steam distilled) (Alcohols) Rose damask (Alcohols) Rosemary (Monoterpenes) Sandalwood (Alcohols) Tea tree (Alcohols) Thyme (Alcohols) Vetivert (Alcohols) Ylang Ylang (Sesquiterpenes) To include: Skin (Integumentary) Skeletal Muscular Nervous Respiratory Cardiovascular Lymphatic Immune Endocrine Digestive Reproductive Urinary To include: Skin (Integumentary) Skeletal Muscular Nervous Respiratory Cardiovascular Lymphatic Immune Endocrine Digestive Reproductive Urinary e.g. Analgesics Sedatives Stimulants Nervines Antispasmodics To include: Nose Olfactory tract Olfactory membranes/epithelium Olfactory receptor cells Olfactory bulb Olfactory plexus Brain Limbic system Anosmia To include: Effleurage Petrissage Vibrations Tapotement Passive movements Pressure point stimulus Lymphatic drainage techniques To include: Combination Dry Oily Mature Young Epidermis Dermis Hair follicle Sweat glands Blood capillaries Circulatory system To include: Almond Apricot kernel Avocado Castor Coconut Evening Primrose Grapeseed Hazel Jojoba Linseed Macadamia Olive Peach Kernel Peanut Sesame Sunflower Soya Walnut Wheatgerm Other Media To include: Creams Lotions Gels Water Air Clays Shea butter Cocoa Butter To include: Use and storage of treatment equipment required, e.g. massage couch, bottles, jars etc Stock control/rotation Sourcing, selection, use and storage of treatment media - away from extremes of temperature Dark glass bottles Tightly sealed bottles Out of reach of children Methods of dealing with breakages/spillages in the treatment environment Product data sheets Shelf life of essences, fixed oils, other media and blended products Current legislative controls and guidelines for the use of aromatherapy products and the implications for client safety To include: Any particular rights, restrictions, Acts and Charters applicable to aromatherapy treatment e.g. Health and Safety regulations Legal framework related to people and settings with which the practitioner is involved, e.g. Mental Health Act, Children Act
29) Describe and explain the methods of selection, storage and use of essential oils, carrier oils, other media and equipment
30) Understand and explain the appropriate legislation applicable to aromatherapy treatment
31) Explain the elements required to prepare for a professional aromatherapy treatment
Moral rights which are not recognised by Law Organisational policies and how they may differ from other organisations (when working in care) Records which the practitioner is responsible for completing in relation to rights and responsibilities Any relevant complaints systems and methods of access (when working in care) Code of good practice/ethics Insurance and professional association membership Legislation relating to the essential oil trade/profession Legislation which relates to the work being carried out, the environment and the client with whom the practitioner is working Awareness of national occupational standards and voluntary regulatory groups where they exist To include: Treatment environment and working area: Identify quiet, clean and hygienic working surroundings, changing facilities for client Describe the most efficient form of sterilisation and sanitisation in the clinic Describe the best form of waste removal in the clinic (particularly when contaminated) Provide sufficient professional equipment and products required to perform the treatment fully Essences, fixed oils, other media, blending apparatus, diffusers etc Establish suitable couch and trolley layout Recognise the importance of room layout and ambience Therapist appearance/behaviour: Demonstrate appropriate attire professional work wear, full flat shoes, socks with trousers, natural tights with skirts, no jewellery - except a wedding band and stud earrings, short, clean finger nails with no enamel Demonstrate good personal hygiene No body odour No bad breath No perfume No chewing of gum or sucking of sweets Hair neat, clean and tied back not on the collar or face Wash own hands before, during and after treatment (as necessary) Punctuality Only working within own scope of practice Do not make false claims Do not discuss or put down other salons/clinics Do not diagnose
33) Understand and explain the possible reactions/contra-actions to aromatherapy treatment and advise client on course of action to follow should any arise 34) Understand and recognise those contraindications to aromatherapy requiring medical referral or the client to sign an informed consent form prior to the treatment and those contraindications that restrict treatment
To include: An example of a consultation form can be downloaded from www.itecworld.co.uk Students should demonstrate knowledge of the importance of the following: Consulting in a private, comfortable area Positive body language Positioning of the client (no barriers between themselves and client) Good communication skills (asking open and/or closed questions where appropriate) Verbal and non-verbal communication Trust Professionalism, confidence and enthusiasm Ascertaining client lifestyle Client profile Client disclosure Professionally informing the client of restrictions of treatment e.g. contraindications and contra-actions Ensuring the client is not alarmed in any way, explain potential reactions/contra-actions to treatment Interaction of essences with prescribed or self-medicated drugs and other substances Outline benefits of the treatment - e.g. deep relaxation, relief from muscular aches and pains, stress relief, balancing fluid retention etc Any contraindications to treatment (as listed below) Importance of planning a treatment programme bearing in mind the clients religious, moral and social beliefs Determining the nature and extent of the clients needs in respect of presenting conditions e.g. physiological, psychological and emotional state of client, illness, disability etc Agreement to the course of action and aromatherapy treatment methods advised e.g. massage, use of diffusers, inhalation, use of water, topical application, use of compresses Selection and documentation of essences, fixed oils or other media (including common and botanical names), quantities blended, justification for choice of blend(s) Ascertain the clients consent to the treatment Where the client is not in a position themselves, ascertain the appointed companions agreement to the treatment Explanation how the programme will be evaluated and the review process Where applicable clarify with the client information which may be available to others, e.g. relevant health care workers Confidentiality Agree treatment objectives and recommended treatment plan Obtain the clients signature (or that of the appointed companion) To include: Nausea Headaches Dizziness Frequency in micturition Increase of bowel movements Skin redness/irritation/urticaria Fatigue Hyperactivity Change of appetite Skin changes Healing crisis Relief from symptoms Improved mood Altered sleep patterns Increased energy With medical, GP or Specialist permission In circumstances where written medical permission cannot be obtained, clients must sign an informed consent form stating that the treatment and its effects have been explained to them and confirm that they are willing to proceed without permission from their GP. Pregnancy (use only mandarin) Cardiovascular conditions
35) Understand and explain the importance of client assessment and referral procedures
(thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension, heart conditions) Haemophilia Any condition already being treated by a GP or another complementary practitioner Medical oedema Osteoporosis Arthritis Nervous/ Psychotic conditions Epilepsy Recent operations Diabetes Asthma Any dysfunction of the nervous system (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, Motor Neurone disease) Bells palsy Trapped/Pinched nerve (e.g. sciatica) Inflamed nerve Cancer Spastic conditions Kidney infections Hormonal implants Undiagnosed pain When taking prescribed medication Acute rheumatism Whiplash Slipped disc Cervical spondylitis Contraindications that restrict treatment Fever Contagious or infectious diseases Under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs Diarrhoea and vomiting Skin diseases Undiagnosed lumps and bumps Localised swelling Inflammation Varicose veins Pregnancy (abdomen) Menstruation (abdomen first few days) Breast-feeding Cuts Bruises Abrasions Scar tissue (2 years for major operation and 6 months for a small scar) Sunburn Haematoma Recent fractures (minimum 3 months) Gastric ulcers Hernia After a heavy meal Hypersensitive skin N.B. All known allergies should be checked Client contraindications should be checked against the safety data for each oil prior to treatment To include: Only working within the realms of their own scope of practice and expertise as an aromatherapist Only recommend treatments which are relevant and appropriate to the client Client suitability e.g. young, elderly, pregnant, healthy, infirm etc Conditions for which aromatherapy is appropriate Where aromatherapy massage may be used with cautions/modifications to treatment techniques Where aromatherapy is contraindicated (see above) Where aromatherapy massage is inappropriate, other methods of use may be indicated Demonstration of understanding when a client should be referred to either: GP Counsellor Other complementary therapist Member of the social care or nursing team (when working in care) Other voluntary or statutory services e.g. Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureau To include: The importance of obtaining consent from the client The importance of gaining consent from a person who is acting in the best interests of the client (when the client is unable or not of an age to make the decision for themselves) Current debate surrounding the issue of consent and the ways in which it may differ between various practitioners The meaning of informed client consent and the guidance given by the practitioners professional body particularly where there is a need for written consent Methods of obtaining consent and how to confirm that clients have been given sufficient information on which to base their own judgment Ensure that agreements are in the clients best interests Ensure that the client or appointed companion signs the consultation form to consent to treatment
37) Understand and explain the importance of aromatherapy for clients and families receiving palliative or social care (when working in care)
38) Explain the purpose of testing essential oils on the clients skin
To include: The issue of consent Any appropriate legislation Confidentiality Appropriate support Using an appropriate manner of communication Only giving information agreed within the care team Know when to refer clients to people outside of the care team Maintenance of accurate records Managing ones own feelings The importance or ongoing care Personal beliefs and preferences Grief and grieving process Awareness of other support services To include: Appropriate explanation to the client Judging the time interval for a clients reactions to the tests (24-48 hours) Hazards associated with essences toxicity, irritation, sensitisation, carcinogenesis, phytooestrogens, interaction with prescription and self-medicated drugs and other substances Types of essential oils and carrier oils most likely to cause a reaction and their possible effects The importance of obtaining a signature of endorsement for use of the blend (a requirement of many insurance companies when they are dealing with claims) To include: Checking consultation and contraindications Explaining the treatment to the client Remove all jewellery - except wedding band on client Helping the client on to the couch prior to and off the couch after treatment Positioning the client correctly - prone, supine or seated Sanitising the clients feet/hands as appropriate Sanitising own hands as appropriate throughout treatment Protecting the clients modesty at all times Ensuring that all parts of the client are covered except the area being treated Ensuring that the client is comfortable, by use of verbal and non-verbal communication throughout the treatment Using appropriate covered supports, i.e. under the ankles, chest and forehead, knees, head Adapting the treatment techniques to suit the needs of the client, using other methods of application as appropriate Ensuring the client does not walk around barefoot Aromatherapist maintaining correct posture/stance, hygiene and professionalism throughout treatment To include: Ensuring the client is correctly supported Using towels to cover all areas except those being treated Using clean towels for each client and using couch roll in addition to towels to maintain hygiene Confirming consent before beginning treatment Blending oils in a time efficient, safe and hygienic manner Using the oil blend(s) selected and agreed during the process of consultation Using appropriate massage movements for aromatherapy treatment i.e. effleurage, petrissage, vibrations, tapotement, stretches, lymphatic drainage techniques, pressure point stimulus, on the following areas: to cover back, abdomen, legs, feet, arms, hands, head, scalp, neck and shoulders and face as applicable Performing and adapting the treatment relevant to clients physiological and physical requirements,
42) Interpret client feedback and record on consultation form and store information securely in line with current legislation
43) Understand and explain the importance of giving appropriate aftercare and home care advice after treatment
abilities, disabilities, time restrictions etc Applying the massage at a pressure appropriate to the clients needs and to ensure maximum absorption of the oils Maintaining contact throughout treatment Encouraging clients to express their feelings/requirements during the treatment Working through treatment in a commercially acceptable time - approximately 1 hour for a full treatment Checking clients comfort and satisfaction throughout treatment with the use of verbal and non-verbal communication Noting clients reactions and making appropriate adjustments during treatment Noting clients reactions and any findings/feedback at end of treatment Helping the client on and off the couch, protecting their modesty at all times, ensuring they do not walk around barefoot Work within code of conduct laid down by professional Association/Society/Guild to perform professional aromatherapy treatment To include: At the end of each treatment the clients psychological and physiological reactions should be recorded The following areas should be monitored: Outcomes achieved Effectiveness of the treatment Reassessing choice of blend used, blending ratios, treatment techniques, methods of use etc Any change in demands e.g. physiological or psychological changes Whether the treatment met the needs of the client client expectations Longer term needs of the client (e.g. when working in a care environment, with those dealing with bereavement and loss etc) Therapist self-reflection in relation to client and treatment performed Client treatment progression Review of ongoing treatment plan Recommendations for further treatment sessions The importance of reflective practice to the Aromatherapist - practical application and effects To include: At the end of each treatment the clients feedback should be recorded on the consultation form and any skin, muscular or other reactions noted together with recommendations for ongoing treatment and self-treatment - these should be documented fully Record and store in line with current legislation and professional codes of conduct To include Immediate aftercare Allowing client time to revive Sitting client up carefully Water Feedback At the end of each treatment the client should be advised of home and aftercare to prolong treatment benefits Avoid stimulants alcohol, tea, coffee and non-prescription drugs for at least 12 hours Healthy eating Fluid/water intake Exercise Posture Smoking habits Sleep patterns Hobbies Interests Rest Time management Relaxation techniques Stress levels Self-treatment Aromatherapy as part of a holistic lifestyle General care and lifestyle advice and the benefits thereof Generally helping clients and families to identify options to improve their health and social well-being in terms of aromatherapy treatment
44) Understand and explain the various methods of applying essential oils, carrier oils and blends safely to the client either in the clinic or at home (self-use)
45) Explain the methods of manufacturing aromatherapy preparations for professional or home use 46) Understand and explain other complementary therapies and the ways in which they are performed
Helping clients and families to put their choices into action Reviewing their progress To include: Blending ratios Client requirements/suitability Conditions treated Equipment required Preparation Safety procedures Frequency of use Contraindications Baths(including foot and hand) Compresses (hot and cold) Creams, lotions and gels (commercial and home made) Hydrosols/hydrolats Inhalations Masks /clay work Massage Neat application Shampoos Showers Sprays Vaporisers/diffusers The method of application, the amount of essential oil to be used and the frequency of use should be stated for each treatment Nature of risks associated with self treatment excessive exposure, non-recognition of effects, incorrect usage of essences, use of undiluted essences, taking oils internally Minimising risks by ensuring the client is correctly informed on how to administer the treatment Informing the client on where to obtain oils and carriers of good therapeutic value and quality Ensuring that if the therapist gives the client a blend to use it is correctly packaged and labelled with directions for use To include: Oil Water Emulsions lotions, creams Base materials Commercial sources of supply Dilutions Labelling requirements To include: Acupressure Acupuncture Alexander Technique Ayurvedic Medicine Bach Flower Remedies/Flower Remedies Body work (massage therapies) Bowen Technique Chiropractic Colour therapy Crystal therapy Ear Candling Herbalism Homeopathy Hypnotherapy Indian Head Massage Iridology Kinesiology Lymphatic drainage massage Meditation Naturopathy Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) Osteopathy Physiotherapy Reiki/Spiritual Healing Reflexology Shiatsu Stone therapy Subtle energy/vibrational medicine Therapeutic Touch Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Yoga